Poetry and Its Power to Heal

By: Ylaiza Perez

Poetry has offered me a sense of belonging. I’ve always struggled with being vulnerable; however, here I am sharing my deepest passions for writing through free writing. Through poetry I find healing; I find solace in the fact that I’m not the only one in the world that may feel emotions and struggle to express them. Poetry allows me to express my unwinding thoughts that otherwise remain unspoken.

For many, writing is more than an act—it’s a journey to self-discovery and healing. As Lamott (1994) explains, writing helps us catch our soul and unearth truths about ourselves that we may not have previously understood. Writing, especially poetry, provides a safe space for individuals to process and articulate complex emotions.

Not everyone benefited equally from writing, but studies show that those who engage in emotional writing are often more resilient and can even recover from job loss more quickly than non-writers. Poetry, in particular, gives people the opportunity to share their experiences with others in a way that is both creative and cathartic. This process helps individuals build community, feel heard, and find a sense of belonging.

Poetry therapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and provide participants with an outlet to explore their emotions in a more manageable, structured way. In studies like those of Rickett, Grieve, and Gordon (2011), poetry workshops helped participants navigate their personal journeys, whether through illness or other significant life events. Poetry gives patients a tangible, creative object to hold onto—a story that is uniquely theirs but also resonates with others.

During my undergraduate, and as the founder of the Believers of Words (B.O.W.) Poetry Club at Providence College, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of poetry and having and creating a sense of community. The club offered a safe space for students to express their emotions, especially those that felt silenced. 

The feedback from participants highlights how poetry can help people find clarity, serenity, and healing. Whether it’s a personal and spiritual connection, and also a bridge among different cultures and communities that are trying to find a beacon of hope in life’s challenges.

Poetry is not just an art form—it’s a path to self-discovery, and emotional well-being. Regardless of if you’re a writer, an avid reader, or just someone who enjoys the beauty of words, poetry provides healing. Individuals can feel empowered, and a renewed sense of purpose through poetry and personally develop a deeper connection within themselves.

Ready to read some poetry?

“I stand,

Again.

I stand to love,

I stand to love.

I stand to live,

In living a life of winning,

I stand to be grateful,

Thinking of air as tasteful,

Blissful.

I stand to have peace,

To never stop reflecting.

Find my turn,

With no return.

I stand to happiness,

Found in my soul,

Loving my spirit,

To find control.

 

 

References:

1. Parsa, A. N., & Harati, S. (2013). The impact of poetry therapy on depression. Academic Journal.
2. Lamott, A. (1994). Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Pantheon Books.
3. Campo, R. (1997). The Healing Art: A Doctor’s Black Bag of Poetry. W.W. Norton & Company.
4. Pennebaker, J. W. (2004). Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma & Emotional Upheaval. New Harbinger Publications.
5. Rickett, C., Grieve, C., & Gordon, J. (2011). Evaluating the impact of a poetry-writing workshop on the psychological well-being of cancer patients. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 38(3), 160-167.
6. Gold, K. (2012). The role of poetry in social work practice: Expressing, connecting, and healing. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 25(3), 123-130.

 

This article was crafted by Ylaiza Perez, an independent contributor engaged by CheckIT Labs, Inc. to provide insights on this topic.